LIVESTOCK
| Belgian Horses
The Belgian, as the name implies, is native to the country of Belgium. The breed is characterized by a husky, barrel-like appearance and brute strength. It is generally sorrel or chestnut in color, stands just under 17 hands (68 in/170 cm) and weighs over 2,000 pounds. They are one of the strongest of the heavy breeds and are known for their even temperament.
The American Association was officially founded in February of 1887. It was slow going for the Belgian until after the turn of the century. In terms of promotion the Percheron, Clydesdale, and Shire all enjoyed a substantial head start in this country.
In 1903, the government of Belgium sent an exhibit of horses to the
St. Louis World Fair and the International Livestock Exposition in Chicago. From
that point forward the breed's acceptance and imports of breeding stock
grew steadily. The onset of World
War I in 1914 brought all importations
to a complete halt. Suddenly, American Belgian breeders were on
their own. Primrose Farm took up the challenge, breeding and selling
Belgians all through the war and into the 1920s.
